Galliano, though, has been reportedly deeply mortified, and silent. In the two years since he has been entirely absent from the spotlight in which he once delighted; he has gone through treatment for his longstanding problem with alcohol; he has been in touch with the Anti-Defamation League. According to sources in the fashion industry, he has expressed personal apologies to Jewish people who know and work with him.

US Vogue editor Anna Wintour has been reportedly keen for Galliano to return for some time and it is to Galliano's credit that he has waited until now. Some may argue that two years' exile is not long enough to atone for such abhorrent remarks, but it's not about the time, it's the depth of feeling. As Lance Armstrong reminded the world last night, a man can go on TV and apologise for hours while sitting opposite Oprah Winfrey – but if he doesn't take full responsibility for his actions and instead says he is merely "flawed", it's hard to take his apology too seriously. Galliano has issued several statements expressing his sorrow and self-disgust. To freeze him out of his industry for ever when he has expressed so much contrition would be unjust – especially when criticising him for his own intolerant remarks. It's time to, if not welcome him back, at least accept him back.